Algae are very efficient at producing nutrients that can be used by higher animals. Like plants, they are at the base of the food chain. Like plants, they capture energy, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other minerals from their environment and create organic molecules like proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Alltech's first annual Algae conference got underway in Lexington, Kentucky today. The morning session featured presentations from some of Alltech's leading researchers on the characteristics and potential uses of algae. There are roughly 800,000 species of algae, which vary greatly in form, function and chemical composition.

Extracting Carbon Dioxide with Algae

People have been studying algae as a potential source of renewable fuel for years now. The potential for algae is great, and not just for fuel. Algae can be used in the production of animal feed. It is being explored as a substitute for fishmeal in aquaculture feeds. Replacing fishmeal can help the aquaculture industry grow into a truly sustainable form of agriculture.